More belated pics

Friday September 1st. No.2

The farewell reception/celebration at Council chambers was really enjoyable.  we heard from so many of our billet families, what fantastic students we have!  They have loved hosting our kids.

The evening consisted of speeches from The Mayor, the Vice-Ricteur in charge of Education in Noumea, a representative from the NZ consul in New Caledonia ( the Consul was unable to come) and the Principal of Jean Mariotti College. Then it was our D.P's turn! Baz was a bit nervous about it all but Veronique translated it all and he did very well.  There were lots of accolades from the dignitaries about the work that has gone into the great success our exchanges have been so far and a fantastic Powerpoint was shown with photos of all the exchanges since the beginning. I certainly looked a little younger back then!

Jesan Mariotti performed a couple of items and then we sang our waiata and the boys did their haka. It was fantastic and we were very proud of them. Renata then asked all the french boys up on to the stage to perform it with them. It  was lovely to see both cultures sharing like that. A little later both french and our boys all went outside and stood under the eaves facing the city and did the haka again. It was so loud and it was awesome to hear those words being resonated across the centre of the city!

The Council provided a fabulous array of food for everyone so all in all a great night.

                The kids all waiting for speeches to start. Host families in the background.

                                                            The Mayor of Noumea

                                                                 The french kids

                                                                           Waiata

                                                                   Our boys in action

Well, it's 10pm and I've just turned the last lights off. They are all packed so I'll be waking them at 6.30am, brekky at 7.30 then downstairs at 8.30.  Home about 9pm - a long day! I'll text you when we leave Tokoroa to give an ETA at school.

Au revoir for the last time!

Colleen